You are here

Today, in response to the OBA's question to party leaders about whether they would support the OBA's call for a moratorium on the sale of neonicotinoid-treated seed, Premier Wynne responded:

..."I remain concerned about the destabilizing impacts of an outright moratorium or ban on the use of neonicotinoid-treated seeds. However, I am equally concerned about the indiscriminate and blanket use of neonicotinoid-treated seed and the implications for the environment and pollinator health.

Therefore, the Ontario Liberals are committed to working with the agricultural and beekeeping sectors to (1) ensure full and equitable access to non-neonicontinoid treated seed for growers, and (2) establish a system that allows for targeted use of neonicotinoids only in production areas or production circumstances where these pesticides are actually shown to be required.

Although their position falls short of a moratorium, the steps they are proposing are consistent with the OBA's position and, when implemented, could reduce the amount of neonicotinoid seed used by 80-90% for next year's planting season. We applaud the Liberals for their bold leadership on this issue and look forward to working with them in the implementation of this plan.